How to Shop Organic

What does organic mean as it pertains to the food we eat?

Organic is a labeling term indicating the food or agricultural product has been produced integrating cultural, biological and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity. Some think organic food is pricey and unnecessary, while some think it’s safer and more nutritious than conventionally grown food. There is research to support both sides. 

All organic agricultural farms and products must meet the following USDA guidelines:

• Abstain from the application of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage sludge for three years prior to certification and then continually throughout their organic license.

• Prohibit the use of GMOs and irradiation. 

• Prohibit the use of hydrogenation and trans fats.

• Employ positive soil building, conservation, manure management, and crop rotation practices.

• Provide outdoor access and pasture for livestock.

• Refrain from antibiotic and hormone use in animals.

• Sustain animals on 100% organic feed.

• Avoid contamination during processing of organic products.

• Keep record of all operations.

If a product contains the USDA organic seal, it means that 95-100% of its ingredients are organic. Products with 70-95% organic ingredients can still advertise “organic ingredients” on the front of the package. And products with less than 70% organic ingredients can identify them on the side panel. 

Quick Tip:

Check the price lookup (PLU) code on your produce. Organic produce carries a five-digit code beginning with the number 9. Conventionally grown produce has a four-digit code beginning with the number 3 or 4.

Some non-nutritional reasons to consider organic include:

• Organic produce may be slightly higher in antioxidants and polyphenols than conventional produce.

• Conventionally cultivated produce may have up to four times more pesticide residue than organic produce.

• Organic foods and practices help nourish the soil and keep it viable for future harvests.

• Conventional methods tend to be more taxing on the environment.

• Even if not labeled organic, locally produced foods have less of an impact on the environment since they aren’t being shipped from far away.

Sources: 

IIN

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Register National Organic Program